Folk etymology is when phrases are reinterpreted based on similar-sounding words in a language. It only applies if the word changes from its original form. Examples include penthouse and primrose. Even non-borrowed words may be subject to folk etymology if the original derivation becomes obsolete. Folk etymology is a linguistic phenomenon whereby borrowed or archaic […]
Etymology studies the origin and evolution of words and languages. It helps understand a language’s history and cultural context. New words come from borrowing, word formation, compounding, and onomatopoeia. Etymology reveals social and political trends and is interesting to many. Etymology is a branch of linguistics that focuses on the origin of words and the […]
